Environmental considerations

I still cannot understand what prompted the government to stir this unnecessary issue about extending the development boundaries. And unless the government explains its reasons to us mere mortals in plain words, hardly anyone - except those who will benefit - will agree with it whatever the rhetoric expressed by George Pullicino. How about a referendum, Mr Pullicino?

The government so far did not manage to counter the widespread criticism with any convincing arguments other than the shameful excuse of "social grounds". Shameful in the sense that there is barely any social considerations at all in this. I would probably have expected it from anyone but Lawrence Gonzi to use this vulgar excuse. You should know better Dr Gonzi. You're literally using the social issues to get you to your goal.

The NGOs, in particular the Church commission on the environment, spelled it out very clearly, but it seems pretty obvious that the government has other agendas. It's not injustice - there are other ways to compensate the poor fellows. Perhaps it dreams of giving the country the long-awaited boost to the economy? Who knows?

What about the future generations? Have we lost all notions of the common good? By being so arrogant, the party in government is once again showing that it doesn't want to listen. The government is inflicting a serious blow to the already strained balance that needs to be maintained between the economy and the environment, which are key contributors towards maintaining and improving quality of life. Patience is running out and it now seems inevitable that Dr Gonzi is bound to learn his lessons the hard way.

So I beg him to stop and listen for our sake, for our country and our children.

So much for slogans and political spin.